Macro photography

[gardener]

The longer I take pictures with a camera, the more I'm drawn to micro/macro photography, particularly things in nature (bugs, leaves, flowers, critters, water puddles, etc) and while this may or may not be my final niche, I enjoy it tremendously.
Would anyone have any macro specific books or websites they'd care to recommend? I can find snippets of information here and there in almost any photo tome and/or websites full of macro photos but so far, nothing that is specifically written or aimed at taking pictures of the tiny and complete world that surrounds us.
Any help on the subject would be much appreciated...
Steve W

[Detonate]

I haven't looked for any books or anything. But I do know that fred miranda's site has a large macro base. I find myself checking there for answers to Macro questions.

[gardener]

Thanks Jim, I'll check it out.

[Chimper]

This is an article I like about the next step I want to take in macro shooting; going beyond a 1:1 magnification with the Canon MP-E 65mm.

http://www.vividlight.com/articles/2914.htm

It take a tripod, mirror lockup, cable release and a ton of patience.

[Soopahgal]

I used to shoot a ton of macro stuff, and I also recommend hanging out in the Macro section at Fred Miranda. Those guys taught me a ton.

[gardener]

OOOOOOOOOOOO! I LIKE that MP-E 65mm lens and Twin Flash unit used on the vividlight site. Those may have to go on my wish list although taking pictures of tiny critters is much harder than he makes it out to be since the little buggers typically won't stand still long enough to get good focus.
I chanced upon an article many moons ago about taking bug pics but the guy did 95% of it in a studio with a full light and mini forest setup. He also placed his subjects in a cold refrigerator for a while to slow em down long enough to take their teeny little portraits. Although I've gotten away with the occasional butter tub of fishin worms in the fridge overnight, I have a feeling that momma would draw the line at spiders and small jumping things in a jar. BUT... one never knows til one tries. Don't you agree?
Thanks for the answers... I'm off to check out the Fred Miranda macro site.
Steve W

[Chimper]

I've been using the MT-24EX on the 180mm macro and it rocks! It sure beats those Rube Goldberg / Flash Brackets with cords everywhere I used to use.

Even with the 180mm it is sometimes difficult to get up close on those tiny bugs, so the MP-E 65mm will be even tougher. I have the best luck early in the mornings when its cooler and dewy. The bugs aren't warm enough yet to move.

[AndrewC]

Macrophotography by Ronan Loaec is an inspiring book, plus the usual John Shaw books :)